Workers at a KP Snacks plant in the UK are gearing up for strike action over an ongoing pay dispute and have started to disrupt production, union officials claim.
In a statement on 6 February (Friday), trade union GMB said dozens of its members at KP Snacks’ Billingham factory in Teesside voted to walk out after the company “imposed” extra duties without a pay rise or “proper” consultation.
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Paul Clark, an organiser at the GMB union, told Just Food that “action short of a strike” started yesterday (9 February), with measures taken to slow production and an overtime ban introduced in the department.
The Billingham site makes crisps and snacks under brands including Hula Hoops, McCoy’s, Pom-Bears and Discos.
Workers there had also voted in December for strike action, though GMB said no formal action has taken place since that vote.
“There has been some discussions with the business and a consultative ballot on an offer, which was rejected,” noted the union, adding no strike dates have yet been set.
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By GlobalDataGMB said it will meet members to consider potential strike dates and warned any escalation could hit supplies.
A KP Snacks spokesperson told Just Food it has “robust contingency plans in place to minimise any potential disruption and to ensure continuity of supply for our customers”.
The spokesperson added: “We value our Teesside team and the important contribution they make, and we remain committed to working constructively with them and the GMB to reach a resolution. Discussions are ongoing and we continue to encourage open and constructive dialogue to address the concerns raised.”
The union also said bosses have cut process workers to one break per shift.
Clark said: “These workers are skilled, experienced and absolutely vital to keeping KP Snacks’ production lines running and supermarket shelves stocked. The company has unilaterally expanded their roles, increased their workload and expected them to take on additional responsibilities, all without offering a single penny more in pay.”
KP Snacks, owned by Germany’s Intersnack and headquartered in Slough, operates seven UK manufacturing sites. Its portfolio also includes Skips, Tyrrells and Butterkist.
